Alarmed by the sharp increase in the number of road accidents in the city, the Gurgaon police on Sunday reiterated its promise to reward those coming forward to help accident victims with Rs. 1,000.

Till October this year, 353 persons have been
killed while 741 injured in 829 road accidents.

The reward scheme — officially known as ‘golden hour’ scheme — was launched in May 2011. Though 46 persons were rewarded and given appreciation certificates, the enthusiasm among the public soon fizzled out as only 11 persons qualified for the award this year.

On the occasion of World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims on Sunday, the traffic police urged people to help road accident victims reach hospitals in time by assuring them they will not be harassed for their noble act.

“The number of vehicles is increasing and so is the number of road accidents. Citizens have to help the traffic police in bettering the present situation,” said Anil Rao, joint commissioner of police (traffic).

However, residents have often claimed that cops misbehave with them when they intimate them about accidents. "If anyone is harassed, they should approach me or the joint commissioner of police for traffic,” said Maheshwar Dayal, deputy commissioner of police (traffic).

The main reason for the traffic menace is plying of two-wheelers and slow-moving vehicles on Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway which has been banned. However, these vehicles are allowed to ply on the service lanes of the e-way.